What is Google Search Console used for?
Google Search Console is a free tool designed for those who care about the visibility and ranking of their websites in search results. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what this tool is used for, how it works, and how to add a domain to this service to begin analysing its visibility on Google search. Formerly known as Google Webmaster Tools, Google Search Console is a free platform created by Google, enabling website owners to monitor the visibility of their sites in Google search results. It is a crucial tool for anyone concerned with the organic positioning of their site, especially if they frequently update content and add new subpages.
How does Google Search Console work?
Google Search Console operates by collecting data related to the indexing of a site by Google. It provides information on key aspects such as the number of indexed pages, the number of clicks, impressions, average click-through rate (CTR), and the average positions of specific subpages in search results. This tool also allows checking indexing errors and receiving notifications about potential issues with the website. Additionally, it provides insights into the keywords for which a website is most frequently displayed, the countries of users, and the devices they use. All this information is invaluable for optimising the position of a website in the search engine.
What can you find in Google Search Console?
In Google Search Console, you can access various reports and information about your website. Here are some key features:
- Site performance
- Indexing
- URL inspection
- Shopping
Here, you'll find information about the number of page views, clicks, CTR, and positions in search results. These data can be filtered based on any chosen date or period.
Provides information about the number of indexed pages and potential indexing issues.
Allows tracking which subpages of your website have been indexed. You can also request the indexing of a specific page from the Google Search Console panel.
If you run an online store, this section allows you to check which product pages have been correctly indexed and identify any issues.
Is data in Google Search Console live?
Data in Google Search Console updates approximately every 48 hours. The most recent data can be checked by filtering the information. The latest date indicates the last day from which the data were retrieved, usually one or two days before the current date.
How to add a domain to Google Search Console - Step by step guide
To add a domain to Google Search Console, follow these steps:
Log in to Google Search Console: Use your Google account to log in to the Google Search Console website. If you don't have a Google account, you need to create one.
Add Property: Click the "Add Property" button. In the "Domain" field, enter your domain name and select "Next."
Confirm Domain Ownership with DNS Record: Copy the TXT or CName record and paste it in the designated place at your domain/hosting provider. If you're unsure where to paste the record, refer to the instructions provided by the specific solution you're using (e.g., OVH, Go Daddy etc.).
Complete the process: After pasting the record in the correct location, return to the page from which the record was copied and select "Verify." Verification usually takes a few minutes but may take up to several hours, according to Google's information.
Google Search Console is a crucial tool for anyone who wants to regularly check how their site is performing in the Google search world. Tracking data, monitoring performance, and responding to potential issues using this tool can significantly impact the effectiveness of your website in search results.